PHOENIX — One year after their habitat was nearly wiped out by the 2017 Frye Fire in the Pinaleño Mountains of southeastern Arizona, an annual survey of the endangered Mt. Graham red squirrel shows a notable increase in their population.

The annual survey, conducted jointly by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), Coronado National Forest, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Center for Nature Conservation – Phoenix Zoo, and the University of Arizona, resulted in a minimum estimate of 67 squirrels – a 91-percent increase from the 35 recorded in 2017, when populations were severely impacted by the Frye Fire.

In 2016, there were an estimated 252 squirrels. The Mount Graham red squirrel population peaked at about 550 animals in the late 1990s, but typically ranges between 200 and 300 individuals.

“The Mt. Graham red squirrel has faced some significant, daunting challenges since their habitat was severely damaged by the Frye Fire,” said Tim Snow, AZGFD terrestrial wildlife specialist. “The data suggests that while the fire was devastating to red squirrel habitat and their overall population, several likely fled the area to avoid the ensuing wildfire. This is truly a resilient species, but much work must be done to help conserve and protect the species to ensure its continued recovery.”

This annual red squirrel survey consisted of visiting all known middens, which are areas where red squirrels store or cache their cones. Activity at these middens is used to estimate the population size.

“In the wake of the Frye Fire, the squirrels have taught us a great deal about how they respond to altered and even devastated habitat,” said Jeff Humphrey, FWS’s Arizona Ecological Services field supervisor. “The survey results are helping us focus our redoubled efforts to restore habitat and squirrel